Animal trap

ABSTRACT

An animal trap is provided that includes a plurality of posts and a net structure. The net structure is attached to the posts. The net structure has a width that extends between an upper lateral edge and a lower lateral edge, a first length that extends between a first lengthwise end and a second lengthwise end at the upper lateral edge, and a second length that extends between the first and second lengthwise ends at the lower lateral edge. The net structure includes a net and an upper cord. The upper cord is attached to the net. The net structure is configurable in a set configuration having an interior trap region. In the set configuration, the net structure has a first circumference at the upper lateral edge and a second circumference at the lower lateral edge. The first circumference is greater than the second circumference.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/935,272 filed on Nov. 14, 2019, and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/011,546 filed on Apr. 17, 2020, both of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to animal traps in general, and to netanimal traps in particular.

2. Background Information

Feral swine are a destructive invasive species in many areas of theworld. In the United States alone, it is estimated that two to sixmillion feral hogs are currently present in at least thirty-nine states,and do millions of dollars in damage every year. Feral swine areprodigious breeders and in many areas have few or no natural predators.

Feral swine damage crops by consuming them or by their rooting,trampling, and wallowing behaviors. Field crops commonly targeted byferal swine include sugar cane, corn, grain sorghum, soy beans, wheat,oats, peanuts, and rice; however, they will eat almost any crop. Farmersmay also experience damage to vegetable and fruit crops such as lettuce,spinach, melons, and pumpkins. Feral swine damage pasture grasses,killing desirable plant species. The decimation of these desirable plantspecies can, in turn, facilitate the proliferation of undesired weedspecies. Feral swine can also devastate orchards and vineyards byconsuming fruit, berries, citrus, grapes, and nuts, destroy saplings andvines by roughly rubbing on the plants with their bodies (which they doto remove parasites from their skin), and damage large trees by scrapingbark off with their tusks to mark territory, creating an entry point fordiseases on the tree.

Feral swine compete with native wildlife for multiple resources,specifically food, habitat, and water. Feral swine diets overlap withthose of native wildlife, such as bear, deer, and turkey, which resultsin competition for important and limited natural food supplies. Feralswine activity will often deter other species from living in an area,resulting in competition over prime habitat. Feral swine also preydirectly on the nests, eggs, and young of native ground nesting birdsand reptiles, including threatened or endangered species. Game birdssuch as wild turkeys, grouse, and quail are often negatively affected.Feral swine wallows are prime mosquito habitat which contributes to theprevalence of various mosquito-borne diseases. Wallows can also be aplace of transmission for bacteria and parasites from feral swine tonative wildlife that come to drink.

Feral swine are known to carry at least thirty (30) viral and bacterialdiseases and nearly forty (40) parasites that can be transmitted tohumans, pets, livestock, and other wildlife. Feral swine can passpathogens in many ways; e.g., by direct contact with feral swine ortheir scat, via feed and water sources previously contaminated by feralswine, or by eating raw, infected feral swine meat, organs, or othertissues.

Efforts to control feral swine populations to date have been largelyineffective. The ability of feral swine to reproduce outpacesconventional hunting techniques, and very often landowners or localregulations do not permit hunting. Various traps are known, but none ofthese traps are capable of readily being used in all settings andtherefore are limited. For example, feral swine are often present inremote areas, not easily accessible by vehicle. Box traps are typicallylarge, heavy structures not easily carried, if at all, to a remotelocation. Indeed, the size and weight of box traps often not only limitswhere they can be utilized, but also how many swine may be caughttherein. In some instances, box traps may be disassembled for transport,but then must be reassembled in the field—but the overall weight of thetrap does not change. Box traps also typically have an elaborate doormechanism that permits ingress, but no exit, or remotely controlleddoors that require a user to monitor the trap (e.g., via camera).

Some corral traps formed from stiff wire fencing may overcome theshortcomings of box traps, but they too have their own shortfalls.Although lighter than box traps, and typically larger than box traps,corral traps can also be prohibitively heavy and difficult to transport.The time required to set up stiff wire corral traps is typicallysignificant, often requires some amount of environment clearance toenable the stiff wire fencing to be installed, and may be limited to useon flat ground areas. Like box traps, corral traps also typicallyutilize elaborate door mechanisms.

Other efforts to control feral swine populations utilize ingestiblepoisons. The use of poisons is often frowned upon for fear that nativewildlife or domestic animals will either directly ingest the poison orwill ingest the poison from a feral pig who earlier ingested the poison.

What is needed is a trap system and methodology that overcomes theshortfalls of currently available traps, and in particular a trap systemand methodology that can be used for animals other than feral swine.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an animal trap netstructure is provided. The net structure includes a net and an uppercord. The net is formed from spaced apart orthogonal members that defineopenings between the members. The net has a width that extends betweenan upper lateral edge and a lower lateral edge, and a first length thatextends between a first lengthwise end and a second lengthwise end atthe upper lateral edge, and a second length that extends between thefirst lengthwise end and the second lengthwise end at the lower lateraledge. The second length is less than the first length. The upper cord isattached to the net at the upper lateral edge extending the first lengthof the net.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the netstructure may include a bottom cord attached to the net at the lowerlateral edge and extending the second length of the net.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, thebottom cord may be a weighted cord having a lead core.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the netstructure may include a mid-cord attached to the net, the mid-cordextending lengthwise between the first lengthwise end and a secondlengthwise end, and disposed widthwise between the upper cord and thebottom cord.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, whereinthe net structure includes a plurality of rib cords, each extendinglengthwise between the upper lateral edge and the lower lateral edge,the rib cords spaced apart from one another along the length of the net.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a trap fortrapping animals on the ground is provided. The trap includes aplurality of posts and a net structure. The plurality of posts areconfigured to be secured in a ground surface. Each post has a lengththat includes a first lengthwise portion configured for disposal withinthe ground surface and a second lengthwise portion configured fordisposal above the ground surface. The net structure is attached to theplurality of posts. The net structure has a width that extends betweenan upper lateral edge and a lower lateral edge, a first length thatextends between a first lengthwise end and a second lengthwise end atthe upper lateral edge, and a second length that extends between thefirst lengthwise end and the second lengthwise end at the lower lateraledge. The second length is less than the first length. The net structureincludes a net and an upper cord. The net is formed from spaced apartorthogonal members defining openings between the members. The netextends from the upper lateral edge to the lower lateral edge, andextends from the first lengthwise end to the second lengthwise end. Theupper cord is attached to the net at the upper lateral edge and extendsthe first length of the net. The net structure is configurable in a setconfiguration, and in the set configuration the net structure is closeddefining an interior region of the trap. In the set configuration, thenet structure has a first circumference at the upper lateral edge and asecond circumference at the lower lateral edge. The first circumferenceis greater than the second circumference.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, in theset configuration the net structure has a wall portion and groundportion, and the ground portion is configured to reside on the groundsurface.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, theground portion has a width and the ground portion width is about 25%-40%of the width of the net structure.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, thetrap may include one or more anchoring devices for securing the lowerlateral edge of the net structure to the ground surface. A non-limitingexample of an anchoring device is an anchor stake configured to couplethe lower lateral edge of the net structure with the ground surface.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the netstructure may include a weighted bottom cord attached to the net at thelower lateral edge extending the second length of the net structure, andthe weighted bottom cord may include a lead core.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the netstructure may include a mid-cord attached to the net. The mid-cordextending lengthwise between the first lengthwise end and a secondlengthwise end, and disposed widthwise between the upper cord and thebottom cord.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the netstructure may include a plurality of rib cords, each rib cord extendinglengthwise between the upper lateral edge and the lower lateral edge.The rib cords may be spaced apart from one another along the length ofthe net.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, thetrap may include a plurality of tensioning structures. Each tensioningstructure may be configured to apply an outwardly radial force to arespective post.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, thetrap may include an upper edge panel attached to the net structureproximate the upper lateral edge, the upper edge panel extendingradially inwardly a distance.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method oftrapping an animal is provided. The method includes: a) inserting aplurality of posts into a ground surface, the posts circumferentiallyspaced apart from one another; b) attaching a net structure to theplurality of posts, the net structure having a width that extendsbetween an upper lateral edge and a lower lateral edge, and a firstlength that extends between a first lengthwise end and a secondlengthwise end at the upper lateral edge, and a second length thatextends between the first lengthwise end and the second lengthwise endat the lower lateral edge, wherein second length is less than the firstlength, the net structure including a net and an upper cord, the nethaving spaced apart members that define openings between the members,the net extending from the upper lateral edge to the lower lateral edge,and extending from the first lengthwise end to the second lengthwiseend, and the upper cord attached to the net at the upper lateral edgeextending the first length of the net; c) disposing the net structure ina set configuration, and in the set configuration: (i) the net structureis circumferentially closed defining an interior region of the trap;(ii) the net structure has a first circumference at the upper lateraledge and a second circumference at the lower lateral edge, and the firstcircumference is greater than the second circumference; and (iii) thenet structure has a wall portion disposed above the ground surface andtherefore not in contact with the ground surface, and a ground portiondisposed in contact with the ground surface.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, theground portion has a width and the ground portion width may be about25%-40% of the width of the net structure.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, themethod further including anchoring the lower lateral edge of the netstructure to the ground surface, for example by inserting anchor stakesinto the ground surface adjacent the lower lateral edge. The anchorstakes are configured to couple the lower lateral edge of the netstructure with the ground surface, and configured to allow the lowerlateral edge to travel vertically up the respective anchor stakes adistance great enough to allow an animal to pass under the net structureand into the interior region of the trap and to fall back to the groundsurface after the animal has passed under the net structure and into theinterior region of the trap.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, themethod further including disposing the net structure in a pre-setconfiguration prior to disposing the net structure in the setconfiguration, and in the pre-set configuration at least a portion ofthe net structure ground portion is held off of the ground surfacethereby providing at least one passage into and out of the interiorregion of the trap.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, whereinthe net structure further comprises a mid-cord attached to the net,extending lengthwise between the first lengthwise end and a secondlengthwise end, and disposed widthwise between the upper lateral edgeand a lower lateral edge. In the set configuration, the upper cord andthe mid-cord are attached to the plurality of posts, and the net iscurved radially inwardly from the mid-cord to the ground portion.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, themethod further including: a) providing a plurality of tensioningstructures; b) attaching the tensioning structures to the plurality ofposts; and c) applying an outwardly radial force to a respective postusing a respective one of the tensioning structures sufficient toproduce tension in the upper cord.

The foregoing features and the operation of the present disclosure willbecome more apparent in light of the following description and theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a present disclosure animaltrap embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic top view of a present disclosure animal trapembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a present disclosure net structureembodiment.

FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic view of a present disclosure net structureembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic partial view of a present disclosure netstructure embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view of a portion of a present disclosureanimal trap embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side view of a portion of a present disclosureanimal trap embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of a tensioning structure hardwareembodiment, illustrating an upper cord engaged with the hardware.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic partial view of a present disclosure netstructure embodiment, illustrating lengthwise ends coupled together.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of a tensioning structure hardwareembodiment.

FIG. 10 diagrammatically illustrates an upper corner of the netstructure looped around a post, engaged with tensioning structurehardware.

FIG. 11 diagrammatically illustrates both upper corners of the netstructure looped around a post, engaged with tensioning structurehardware.

FIG. 12 diagrammatically illustrates an upper edge panel embodiment.

FIG. 13 diagrammatically illustrates an upper edge panel embodiment.

FIG. 14 diagrammatically illustrates an embodiment of the presentdisclosure trap having a structural ring.

FIG. 15 illustrates an anchor stake embodiment securing a lower lateraledge of the net structure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a plurality of anchor stakes securing the lowerlateral edge of a net structure in a central location of the trap.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a tool for location posts.

FIG. 19 diagrammatically illustrates a present disclosure animal trap ina pre-set configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an animal trap 20according to the present disclosure. The animal trap 20 embodimentincludes a net structure 22. Some embodiments of the animal trap includea plurality of posts 24 as part of the trap 20. When the animal trap 20is set up to trap animals (i.e., in a “set configuration”), the netstructure 22 is configured as a closed structure that defines a trapinterior region 26; i.e., the net structure 22 is continuous around thecircumference of the trap 20. More specifically, in the setconfiguration, a portion of the net structure 22 is in contact with theground, and the remainder of the net structure 22 extends upwardly fromthe ground, forming a closed wall structure. The term “closed structure”is used herein to mean that the net structure 22 extends continuouslyaround the entire perimeter of the trap 20, with no door, gate, oropening that permits animal ingress or egress. As will be describedherein, embodiments of the present animal trap 20 may be configured witha substantially circular structure, with the net structure 22 in the setconfiguration having a first circumference at an upper lateral edge anda second circumference at a lower lateral edge disposed on the ground.The second circumference is smaller than the first circumference. Insome embodiments, the vertical top of the animal trap 20 is open.

The net structure 22 includes a net 28 and an upper cord 30. The netstructure 22 has a length extending between a first lengthwise end 32and a second lengthwise end 34, and a width extending between an upperlateral edge 36 and a lower lateral edge 38. The upper cord 30 isdisposed along the upper lateral edge 36 and extends lengthwise betweenthe first and second lengthwise ends 32, 34. The size and material ofthe upper cord 30 can vary depending on the application. For manyapplications, the upper cord 30 may comprise a polymeric material suchas polypropylene, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, aramid, or the like,and any combination thereof. Alternatively, the upper cord 30 maycomprise natural fibers such as hemp. Generally speaking, an upper cord30 comprising polymeric material is preferred because of its superiorstrength, resistance to degradation, and light weight. A specificnon-limiting example of an upper cord 30 is a high-density polypropylenecord having a diameter in the range of about 0.25 inches to about 1.0inches (0.25-1.0 inches; 6.35 mm-25.4 mm). The present disclosure isnot, however, limited to any particular upper cord material orconstruction.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 3A, in some embodiments the net structure 22may include a mid-cord 40 disposed in a middle region of the net 28(i.e., between the upper lateral edge 36 and the lower lateral edge 38,and therefore spaced apart from the upper cord 30), extending lengthwisebetween the first and second lengthwise ends 32, 34. The term “mid-cord”should not be interpreted as implying that the mid-cord 40 is located atthe geometric middle point of the width of the net 28. Typically inthose embodiments that include a mid-cord 40, the upper cord 30 and themid-cord 40 extend lengthwise generally parallel to one another. Thesize and material of the mid-cord 40 may be as described above for theupper cord 30. The mid-cord is not required to be the exact same sizeand material as the upper cord 30, however.

In some embodiments, the net structure 22 may include a bottom cord 42attached to the net 28 along the lower lateral edge 38. The size andmaterial of the bottom cord 42 may be as described above for the uppercord 30. In preferred embodiments, the bottom cord 42 may have a weightper unit length that is greater than the weight per unit length of theupper cord 30. A non-limiting example of an acceptable bottom cord 42 isa weighted cord having a lead core.

In some embodiments, the net structure 22 may include a plurality ofwidthwise extending rib cords 44 (e.g., extending widthwise between theupper lateral edge 36 and the lower lateral edge 38) spaced apart fromone another at lengthwise positions. A rib cord 44 may be disposed ateach lengthwise end 32, 34 of the net structure 22. The size andmaterial of a rib cord 44 may be as described above for the upper cord30. The rib cords 44 are not required to be the exact same size andmaterial as the upper cord 30, however.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 3A, and 4, the net 28 is a mesh structure formedfrom a plurality of flexible lines that are connected to one another ina pattern that creates openings 46 between adjacent lines. The lines areattached to one another to one another to fix the size of the openings46. The lines within the net 28 may be orthogonally arranged (e.g.,vertically extending lines and horizontally extending lines), but thepresent disclosure is not limited to nets having orthogonal lines. Theopenings 46 within the net 28 are large enough so that the net 28 doesnot substantially obstruct vision through the net 28, but small enoughto prevent the trapped animal from escaping through the openings 46. Thenet 28 is configured to withstand impacts by the animal being trapped(as will be described below), and is preferably also sufficientlydurable to prevent a trapped animal from chewing or otherwise cuttingthrough the net 28 during a period of time in which the animal isexpected to be trapped. The net 28 may comprise polymeric materials suchas polypropylene, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, aramid, and the like,or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the net 28 may comprise naturalfibers such as hemp. Generally speaking, polymeric nets are preferredbecause of their superior strength, resistance to degradation, andlight-weight. The present disclosure is not, however, limited to anyparticular net 28 material or construction. Non-limiting examples ofacceptable nets 28 include some nets of the type constructed for use asbaseball nets, or golf ball nets, or in some instances fishing nets. Fora net structure 22 configured for trapping feral swine, a net 28comprising a twine size in the range of #18-#96 twine (i.e., a twinediameter range of about 1.5 mm to about 4.0 mm, or about 0.06 inches toabout 0.158 inches), and having openings 46 in the range of about 0.75inches (19.0 mm) to about 2.0 inches (50.8 mm) is typically acceptable.The present disclosure is not limited to these exemplary twine diameterand opening range values. The specific characteristics of the net 28 maydepend on the application at hand, and the net 28 materials being used;e.g., a net twine having a greater tensile strength may permit a smallerdiameter twine, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the net structure 22 may be described ashaving a wall portion 48 and a ground portion 50. In the setconfiguration, the wall portion 48 is disposed above the ground andtherefore not in contact with the ground. The ground portion 50, incontrast, is disposed in contact with the ground when the net structure22 is in the set configuration. The width of the ground portion 50 ofthe net structure 22 is great enough such that when an animal in theinterior region of the trap approaches the wall portion 48, that animalwill step on the ground portion 50. The weight of the animal stepping onthe ground portion 50 as it approaches the wall portion 48 helps toanchor the net structure 22 to the ground and prevent the animal fromescaping from the trap 20. In terms of the entire width of the netstructure 22, the ground portion 50 is typically about 25-40% of thewidth of the net structure 22. Embodiments of the present disclosuretrap 20 that are configured to trap feral swine, for example, typicallyhave a net structure ground portion 50 that is about twenty-four toabout thirty-six inches (24-36″; 610-915 mm) wide when the trap 20 is ina set configuration, and an overall net structure width of about ninetyto ninety-six inches (90-96 inches; 2280 mm-2440 mm). The presentdisclosure is not limited to any particular wall portion 48 height, andtherefore not limited to any overall net structure 22 width.

In some embodiments, the entirety of the net 28 has a uniformconfiguration; e.g., the same twine size, material, and opening sizethroughout the entire net 28. In alternative embodiments, the net 28 mayinclude two or more regions each having a different net configuration;e.g., a first net region having a first net configuration, and a secondnet region having a second net configuration, where the second netconfiguration is different from the first net configuration. Forexample, a net structure 22 that includes a mid-cord 40 may include afirst net configuration disposed between the mid-cord 40 and the upperlateral edge 36/upper cord 30, and a second net configuration disposedbetween the mid-cord 40 and the lower lateral edge 38/bottom cord 42. Toprevent escape by even the smallest animals (e.g., piglets) and/or tofacilitate ingress into the trap 20, the second net configuration(including the ground portion 50 of the net structure) may comprisesmaller openings 46 and lighter twine than a first net configurationthat predominates the wall portion 48 of the net structure. The smallernet openings 46 can be selected to minimize the possibility of theanimal becoming entangled in the net 28 (e.g., in terms of a feral pig,getting a hoof or a snout stuck in an opening 46).

In some embodiments the net structure 22 may include a secondary wallportion 52 (i.e., an additional wall portion) that is attached to thenet structure 22 between the upper and lower lateral edges 36, 38 (e.g.,at the mid-cord 40 if one is included), and extends downwardly towardthe lower lateral edge 38; e.g., the secondary wall portion 52 may reston the net 28, including the ground portion 50, extending widthwise tothe lower lateral edge 38, and lengthwise between the first and secondlengthwise ends 32, 34—see FIG. 6. In those embodiments wherein the netstructure 22 includes a secondary wall portion 52, the net opening 46size of the secondary wall portion 52 may be smaller than the netopening 46 size of the adjacent net. In such an embodiment, the heaviertwine size of the net 28 provides desirable strength to withstand impactforces, and the lighter twine size and smaller openings 46 of thesecondary lower wall region 52 helps avoid the animal entanglement(e.g., hoof or snout entanglement, etc.). Furthermore, a secondary lowerwall region 52 with a lighter twine size and smaller openings 46 alsotypically possesses greater drapability and facilitates maintaining theground portion 50 in contact with the ground to prevent captured feralswine from escaping.

The upper cord 30 (and one or more of the mid-cord 40, bottom cord 42,and rib cords 44 where included) may be connected to the net 28 in avariety of different ways. For example, the upper cord 30 (and othercords 40, 42, 44 as included) may be attached to the net 28 by sewnattachment; e.g., the net 28 may be configured with integral twines thatattach the net 28 to the upper cord 30 (e.g., see FIG. 7). A sewnconnection between the cords 30, 40, 42, 44 and the net 28 isadvantageous for several reasons; e.g., it does not require anyindependent fasteners, and can often be implemented during constructionof the net structure 22. The present disclosure is not, however, limitedto a net structure 22 having cords 30, 40, 42, 44 attached to the net 28by sewn attachment. For example, any of the cords 30, 40, 42, 44 may beindependent of the net 28 and may be attached to the net 28 bymechanical fasteners. Still further, any of the cords 30, 40, 42, 44 maybe independent of the net 28 and weaved through the net 28 to create theconnection there between.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 5, in those trap 20 embodiments that includeposts 24, the posts 24 are configured to support the net structure 22above the ground, and to be anchored within the ground. Each post 24 maytherefore be described as having a length that includes a firstlengthwise portion 54 (for disposal within the ground when installed)and a second lengthwise portion 56 (for disposal above the ground wheninstalled). The overall length of each post 24 is chosen so that thefirst lengthwise portion 54 is long enough to securely mount the post 24in the ground, and the second lengthwise portion 56 is long enough tohold the net structure 22 at a height where the animal to be trapped isunable to escape over the net structure 22. A non-limiting example of anacceptable post 24 is a metal post possessing sufficient mechanicalstrength to support the net structure 22 during use. A specific exampleof an acceptable metal post is a commonly available T-post that may bedriven into the ground. The present disclosure is not limited to metalposts, including metal T-posts. In some instances, an alternative post(e.g., an existing tree or the like) may be used as one or more of theposts 24.

The potential for a post 24 to be dislodged from the ground (e.g. aftermultiple animal impacts, etc.) is a typically a function of factors thatinclude the ground condition and the lengthwise portion of the post 24(e.g., first lengthwise portion 54) disposed in the ground. A post 24driven into compact, hard ground is less likely to be dislodged than apost 24 driven into soft ground. As is described herein, when thepresent disclosure trap 20 is in a set configuration it is preferable(but not required) to place the upper cord 30 of the net structure 22 intension. If the ground conditions are hard, and the posts 24 possesssufficient mechanical strength to avoid substantial elastic deflection,it may be possible to place the upper cord 30 in tension using the posts24 and net structure 22 alone.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 8, in some embodiments of the presentdisclosure, however, the trap 20 may include tensioning structures 58for attachment to one or more of the posts 24 to facilitate placing andmaintaining the upper cord 30 in tension. In fact, the tensioningstructures 58 can be used to produce the desired tension in the uppercord 30 by pulling the cord radially outward. To be clear, however, notevery embodiment of the present disclosure trap 20 requires tensioningstructures 58. In those embodiments that do utilize tensioningstructures 58, each respective post 24 preferably has a separatetensioning structure 58. A tensioning structure 58 may include a cleat60 that is securable to the ground and a tensioning strap 62 that can bedeployed between the post 24 and the ground cleat 60. The tensioningstraps 62 preferably include a mechanism 64 that can be used to decreasethe length of the tensioning strap 62 (e.g., the length between theground cleat 60 and the post 24) and thereby apply a radially outwardforce to the post 24. A variety of different type tensioning strap 62materials may be used; e.g., fabric straps, rope straps, cable straps,etc. For those embodiments that include a mechanism 64 for adjusting thelength of the strap 62, a variety of different mechanisms 64 can beused; e.g., ratchets, cam devices, turnbuckles, etc. The presentdisclosure is not limited to any particular type of tensioning strap 62or mechanism 64 for changing the length of a strap (when included). Anexample of hardware that may be used to connect a tensioning strap 62 toa post 24 is shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10. The hardware includes a clamp66 and a J-hook 68. The J-hook 68 shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, includesan open hook portion 70 and a closed eye 72. The clamp 66 may be used tosecure the open hook portion 70 to the post 24 and the tensioning strap62 can be connected to the closed eye 72. This hardware configuration isa non-limiting example of inexpensive hardware that can be used tosecure the tensioning strap 62 to the post 24. This hardware alsoprovides a desirable means for securing the upper cord 30 to the post24. As described below and shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the upper cord 30may be disposed around the exterior of the post 24 and within the openhook portion 70 to inhibit the upper cord 30 from being dislodged fromthe post 24.

Embodiments of the present animal trap 20 are typically configured to beassembled as a substantially circular structure. At the top of theanimal trap 20 (e.g., at the upper cord 30), the “circular structure”may in fact be closer to polygonal shape dictated by the number of posts24; e.g., an animal trap 20 that has eight posts 24 may have asubstantially octagonal shape at the upper cord 30, or one having tenposts 24 may have a substantially decagonal shape (as shown in FIG. 2),etc. For ease of description herein, the shape will be referred to as asubstantially circular structure having a diameter and circumference.The maximum diameter/circumference of the animal trap 20 is at the uppercord 30/upper lateral edge 36. In the set configuration, the netstructure 22 initially extends substantially downwardly away from theupper cord 30, and then arcuately transitions radially inward, with theground portion 50 disposed on the ground, terminating at the lowerlateral edge 38. As a result, diameter/circumference of the netstructure 22 at the lower lateral edge 38 is substantially smaller thanthe diameter/circumference at the upper lateral edge 36/upper cord 30.To accommodate the differences in diameter/circumference, at least aportion of the net structure 22 (e.g., the ground portion 50) may have atapered configuration that produces the smaller diameter at the lowerlateral edge 38; e.g., see FIG. 3. Alternatively, the net structure 22may have the same circumferential length at the upper cord 30 and at thelower lateral edge and portions 74 of the ground portion 50 may be“cinched up” (e.g., folded over onto itself and coupled withfasteners—see FIG. 3A) to create a smaller diameter/circumference at thelower lateral edge 38. The difference in diameter/circumferential lengthbetween the upper lateral edge 36/upper cord 30 and the lower lateraledge 38 helps to maintain the ground portion 50 of the net structure 22in contact with the ground, and helps to prevent any section of the netstructure 22 from being pushed radially outward beyond the posts 24.

In those net structure 22 embodiments that include a mid-cord 40, thediameter/circumference of the net structure 22 at the mid-cord 40 may beless than the diameter/circumference of the net structure 22 at theupper cord 30. A smaller net structure 22 diameter/circumference at themid-cord 40 may assist in creating an inward radial curvature of the netstructure 22 (e.g., see FIGS. 5 and 6) that facilitates animal entryinto the trap 20 as will be described below.

In some embodiments, the net structure 22 has independent lengthwiseends 32, 34 that can be brought together to close the circumference ofthe animal trap 20. In other embodiments, the net structure 22 may havea “closed” configuration, wherein the net structure 22 is formed withlengthwise ends 32, 34 that are attached to one another, notpurposefully separable. An advantage of present disclosure animal traps20 having a net structure 22 with independent lengthwise ends 32, 34 isthat the net structure 22 can be disposed around natural featurespresent where the trap 20 is being set up; e.g., a tree and/or brush canbe disposed in the interior region 26 of the trap 20, and the trap 20closed around them.

In those embodiments wherein the lengthwise ends 32, 34 of the netstructure 22 are independent of one another, the lengthwise ends 32, 34of the net structure 22 may be attached to one another in an abuttingmanner to close the net structure 22 (e.g., see FIG. 8). Alternatively,the net structure 22 may be set up with portions of the net structure 22adjacent the lengthwise ends 32, 34 overlapping one another, with eachlengthwise end attached to the net structure 22 (e.g., at a rib cord44). The ability of the net structure 22 to be set up with portions ofthe net structure 22 overlapping one another, permits the user to alterthe diameter/circumference of the animal trap 20.

Regardless of whether the animal trap 20 is set up so that thelengthwise ends 32, 34 of the net structure 22 abut or overlap oneanother, the upper cord 30 is configured to create a fixedcircumference. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the netstructure 22 may be configured with a rib cord 44 disposed at eachlengthwise end 32, 34 that is connected to the upper cord 30 (e.g., therib cord 44 is integral with the upper cord 30), thereby forming anupper corner of the net structure 22. In these embodiments, the uppercorner of the net structure 22 at each lengthwise end 32, 34 is loopedaround the exterior of a post 24. In those embodiments that use theJ-hook 68 hardware, the upper corner of each lengthwise end 32, 34 maybe captured within the open hook portion 70 of the J-hook 68 to inhibitthe upper cord 30 from being dislodged from the post 24. Alternatively,mechanical fasteners (e.g., snap clips, carabiner clips, clamps, or thelike) may be used to attach the upper cord 30 to itself to establish thefixed circumference.

When the upper cord 30 is configured with a fixed circumference andplaced in tension, the upper cord 30 gives the animal trap 20 astructural integrity with a desirable hoop strength. As stated above, insome instances the posts 24 may be installed in such a fashion that notensioning structures 58 are required, and the upper cord 30 may beplaced in tension around the posts 24. In other instances, tensioningstructures 58 may be used to draw the posts 24 radially outward andthereby place the upper cord 30 in tension. Regardless of how the uppercord 30 is tensioned, the tension produces circumferential stress(sometimes referred to as “hoop stress”) within the upper cord 30. Thecircumferential stress gives the upper cord 30, and therefore the netstructure 22, a hoop structural integrity that resists forces acting onthe net structure 22; e.g., radially outward forces produced by animalstrapped within the interior region 26 of the trap 20 impacting a segmentof the net structure 22. Although a portion of the net structure 22impacted by an animal may deflect radially outward to a limited degree,the hoop configuration of the net structure 22 distributes some amountof the impact energy to the circumferential remainder of the netstructure 22.

Additional mechanical fasteners may be used to hold the remainder of thelengthwise ends 32, 34 of the trap 20 between the upper lateral edge 36and the lower lateral edge 38 together; e.g., see FIG. 8. There are avariety of different ways in which the lengthwise ends 32, 34 may beheld together, and the present disclosure is not, therefore, limited toany particular configuration for holding the lengthwise ends 32, 34together.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in some embodiments the animal trap 20 mayinclude an upper edge panel 76 that extends around the circumference ofthe trap 20, and extends a distance radially inward from the upper cord30 to inhibit any attempt by a trapped animal to exit the trap 20 overthe net structure 22. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the upper edgepanel 76 is attached around the circumference of the animal trap 20 andplaced in tension. As a result, the upper edge panel 76 residessubstantially horizontal. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the upperedge panel 76 is attached around the circumference of the animal trap 20adjacent the upper cord 30, and is also attached to each post 24 at aposition above the upper cord 30. As a result, the upper edge panel 76extends both radially inwardly and upwardly. The embodiments shown inFIGS. 12 and 13 are provided to show non-limiting examples of how anupper edge panel 76 may be configured, and the present disclosure is notlimited thereto.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure thatincludes a structural ring 78 disposed at the upper lateral edge 36 ofthe trap. The structural ring 78 (e.g., made of tubing, or a solid rod)may be used as an alternative to the upper cord 30, with the upperlateral edge 36 of the net structure 22 attached to the structural ring78. The structural ring 78 may be produced in circumferentialsubsections for ease of transport/storage, and those circumferentialsubsections attached to one another on-site to form the structural ring78.

In some embodiments, the animal trap 20 may include one or moreanchoring devices configured for engagement with the lower lateral edge38 and operable to assist in maintaining the position of the groundportion 50 of the net structure 22. A non-limiting example of ananchoring device is an anchor stake 80 that can be deployed at the lowerlateral edge 38 to assist in maintaining the position of the groundportion 50 of the net structure 22. FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate anexample of an acceptable anchor stake 80, having a body 82 and a head 84disposed at one end of the body 82. Mechanical fasteners (e.g., snapclips, carabiner clips, or the like) may be used to connect the lowerlateral edge 38 to the respective anchor stake 80. The body 82 isconfigured to be received within the mechanical fastener and can bedriven into the ground. The head 84 of each anchor stake 80 ispreferably configured so that the mechanical fastener cannot pass overthe head 84. Alternatively, the body 82 of each anchor stake 80 can beconfigured to pass through an opening 46 in the net 28, and the head 84configured so it cannot pass through an opening 46 in the net 28(thereby obviating the need for fasteners). In the installed position,the net 28 is allowed to slide up and down the anchor stakes 80. Theanchor stakes 80 ensure that the ground portion 50 remains positionedtowards the center of the trap interior region 26. The presentdisclosure is not limited to anchor stakes 80, and other anchoringdevices may be used alternatively. For example, the lower lateral edge38 may be attached to cleat driven into the ground. A rope (or cord,cable, etc.) loosely connected to the lower lateral edge 38 will allowthe net 28 is be pushed upwardly when the animal enters the trap, butwill limit the travel of the lower lateral edge away from the center ofthe trap 20.

As is clear from above, the present disclosure animal trap 20embodiments are readily portable and can be transported to regions bothaccessible and inaccessible by conventional vehicles (e.g., cars, SUVs,trucks, etc.). Once a trap site is selected, the perimeter of the animaltrap 20 may be established and the posts 24 installed in the ground. Asstated above, in some instances a “natural” post (e.g., an existing treeor the like) may be used as one or more of the posts 24.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, some embodiments of the present disclosuretrap are provided with a tool 86 for spacing the posts 24 apart from oneanother and facilitating the installation of the trap 20. The tool 86utilizes a center stake 88 driven into the ground at the geometriccenter of the trap 20, and a measuring strap 90. The measuring strap 90includes a radial member 92 and a circumferential member 94. A pivotring is disposed at one end of the radial member 92, and one end of thecircumferential member 94 is attached to the opposite end of the radialmember 92. To install the first post 24, the pivot ring is disposedaround the center stake 88 for pivotal movement. The radial member 92 ispulled taut radially outward. The outer end of the radial member 92defines a first post 24 position. To establish a second, adjacent post24 position, an end of the circumferential member 94 (opposite the endattached to the radial member 92 is connected to the first post 24. Theradial member 92 and the circumferential member 94 are drawn taut (nowsubstantially “L” shaped), and the point of attachment between theradial member 92 and the circumferential member 94 defines the next post24 position. This process is repeated until all of the posts 24 arelocated and installed into the ground. The post to post spacing istypically chosen based on the application (i.e., what animal is to betrapped), and more specifically the post to post spacing is chosen tofacilitate animal entry, but close enough to prevent escape.

Once the posts 24 are installed, the net structure 22 may be drawnaround the trap circumference established by the installed posts 24, thelengthwise ends 32, 34 of the net structure 22 attached to one another(e.g., by mechanical fasteners), and the upper cord 30 may be attachedto the posts 24 as described above; e.g., looped around the exterior ofthe respective post 24. In those embodiments that include J-hooks 68,the upper cord 30 may be disposed in the open hook portion 70 of theJ-hook 68 to inhibit the upper cord 30 from being dislodged from thepost 24. If J-hooks 68 are not utilized, an alternative mechanism may beused to maintain the upper cord 30 at the desired position on the post24. Once the upper cord 30 is attached to all of the posts 24, the uppercord 30 may be drawn into tension; e.g., by using the tensioningstructures 58 in a coordinated manner to draw the upper cord 30 of thenet structure 22 into tension and provide the desirable hoop strength.

The lower lateral edge 38 of the net structure 22 may be positionedcentrally in the interior of the trap 20 before or after the upper cord30 is brought into tension. In those embodiments that utilize anchorstakes 80 (or other anchoring device), a number of anchor stakes 80adequate to centrally maintain the lower lateral edge 38 are installed,but not so many so as to inhibit animal ingress into the trap 20.Typically, an anchor stake 80 disposed every other post 24 works well.As stated above, mechanical fasteners (e.g., snap clips, carabinerclips, or the like) may be used to connect the lower lateral edge 38 tothe respective anchor stake 80. Once the anchor stakes 80 are installed,the net 28 is allowed to slide up and down the anchor stakes 80, and theheads 84 of the stakes 80 prevent the net 28 from dislodging.

In those embodiments that include a mid-cord 40, the mid-cord 40 may beconnected to each post 24 by a mechanical fastener (e.g., a ratchetstrap; see FIG. 8). Preferably, the fastener is configured so that themid-cord 40 can move lengthwise some amount during use of the animaltrap 20 and the net structure 22 at the mid-cord 40 is therefore notfixed to the post 24; i.e., the mid-cord 40 is able to slide someamount. Advantages of this type of connection are described below.

After the animal trap 20 is initially set up, the net structure 22 maybe configured in a “pre-set” configuration that allows the animals totravel under the net structure 22 (i.e., all or only portions of the net28 may be held up off the ground) and therefore into and out of the trap20 interior region 26 without obstruction. e.g., see FIG. 19. Baitplaced on the ground in the interior region 26 of the trap 20 will drawthe animals into the trap 20. The process of maintaining the trap 20 ina pre-set configuration with bait disposed in the trap 20 interiorregion 26 will allow the animals to become accustomed to the trap 20. Inthe case of feral swine, it is known that feral swine are intelligentanimals that are very cautious around unknown structures. Pre-settingthe trap 20 often greatly improves the number of animals that can becaught in a single setting simply by improving the confidence of theanimals relative to the trap 20. Pre-setting is not required, however,for the present disclosure animal trap 20 to work effectively.

Once the operator is ready to capture animals, some amount of bait isdisposed in the interior region 26 of the trap 20 and the net structure22 is closed (e.g., the lengthwise ends 32, 34 of the net structure 22attached to one another, and the ground portion 50 secured to theground; i.e., the set configuration). As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 5, and6, in this set configuration, at least a portion of the wall portion 48curves radially inwardly and eventually contacts the ground. The inwardradial curvature of the wall portion 48 is understood to facilitateanimal entry into the trap 20. The collapsible, flexible, andlightweight nature of the net structure 22 allows animals to work theirway under the net structure 22 with minimal resistance, past the lowerlateral edge 38 of the net structure 22, to access the bait. Feralswine, in particular, naturally root with their snouts, and this rootingbehavior will naturally raise some of the wall portion 48 and the groundportion 50, thereby providing access to the interior region 26 of theanimal trap 20. Once the animal has traveled completely under the netstructure 22, gravity causes the net structure 22 to fall back to theground and the animal is trapped. In contrast to solid cage traps orcorral traps formed from stiff wire fencing that only permit ingressthrough a particular door structure, the present disclosure trap 20allows an animal to enter the trap 20 at any circumferential position ofthe trap 20. This aspect is believed to increase the confidence of theanimals being trapped and consequently the yield of the trap 20.

As can be seen from the description above, some present disclosureanimal trap 20 embodiments—once set up—do not require any humanintervention. This is in direct contrast to corral or box trap systemsthat require an operator to actuate the trap door to trap the animals.

Once the animals are trapped, it is not uncommon for the animals toattempt to escape the trap 20. As indicated above, these attempts oftentake the form of charging the net structure 22 or attempting to chewthrough the net structure 22. The hoop strength of the animal trap 20created by tensioning the upper cord 30 (or using a structural ring 78)inhibits the trapped animals from knocking down any portion of the trap20. In the case of feral swine, the impacts are typically in the wallportion 48 of the net structure 22. In those embodiments that include amid-cord 40, the tensioning of the mid-cord 40 may be less than that ofthe upper cord 30, and the fasteners connecting the mid-cord 40 to theposts 24 allow the mid-cord 40 to slide/travel circumferentially to somedegree. As a result, the portion of the net structure 22 impacted by theanimal deflects radially outwardly and dissipates at least a part of theimpact energy. In addition, however, the mid-cord 40 which extends theentire circumference of the trap 20 also distributes some amount of theimpact energy to posts 24 beyond the impact area. Hence, the posts 24collectively operate to maintain the structural integrity of the trap20; not just the posts 24 adjacent the impact region. In addition, asthe animal approaches the net structure 22, the animal will likely stepon the ground portion 50 and their weight will help to anchor the netstructure 22 to the ground.

The height of the net structure 22 above the ground is typically greatenough so that the animal has no chance of jumping over the wall of thetrap 20. In the case of a trap 20 configured to catch feral swine, awall height of four to eight feet (i.e., 4-8 ft.; 122-244 cm) istypically sufficient. However, as stated above, some embodiments of thepresent disclosure may include an upper edge panel 76 that extendsradially inwardly to increase the difficulty of escape over the wall ofthe animal trap 20.

Alternative embodiments of the present disclosure animal trap 20 can beconfigured to be selectively actuable by an operator. For example, sometrap 20 embodiments may include one or more actuating devices that holdat least a portion of the net structure 22 off the ground and therebyallow unimpeded access into the interior of the trap. Once a sufficientnumber of animals are located in the interior region 26 of the trap 20,the actuating devices may be actuated by the operator and the netstructure 22 released, allowing it to fall to the ground. The presentdisclosure is not limited to any particular type of actuating device.

The present disclosure animal trap 20 is substantially lighter thanknown animal traps configured to trap similar animals. Known feral swinetraps are typically made of wood and/or metal and often weigh hundredsof pounds, and are difficult to transport. The present disclosure animaltrap 20 is a small fraction of the weight and can be compactly packagedfor easy storage or transport. The present disclosure animal trap 20 issubstantially less expensive than known animal traps configured to trapsimilar animals. The net structure 22 of the present disclosure animaltrap 20 can enclose a substantial trap area at a much lower cost thansolid member cage traps or hardwire corral traps, and does not requirean intricate actuable door assembly. The present disclosure animal trap20 is substantially more versatile than known animal traps configured totrap similar animals. The present disclosure animal trap 20 does notrequire the trap area to be cleared, and can be used on sloped ground.In fact, the ability of the present animal trap 20 to be used in avegetated area likely will improve the effectiveness of the trap 20since the setting is more “natural” and the trap 20 less apparent to theanimals being trapped.

The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associatedwith measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipmentavailable at the time of filing the application.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the presentdisclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,element components, and/or groups thereof.

Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expresslyidentified herein as being inventive or forming part of a disclosure,such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather theremay be inventive aspects, concepts, and features that are fullydescribed herein without being expressly identified as such or as partof a specific disclosure, the disclosures instead being set forth in theappended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are notlimited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor isthe order that the steps are presented to be construed as required ornecessary unless expressly so stated. The words used in the claims havetheir full ordinary meanings and are not limited in any way by thedescription of the embodiments in the specification unless specificallyindicated otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A flexible animal trap net structure, comprising:a net formed from a plurality of spaced apart flexible lines that definea plurality of openings within the net, the net having a width thatextends between an upper lateral edge and a lower lateral edge, a firstlength that extends between a first lengthwise end and a secondlengthwise end at the upper lateral edge, and a second length thatextends between the first lengthwise end and the second lengthwise endat the lower lateral edge, wherein the second length is less than thefirst length; a flexible upper cord attached to the net at the upperlateral edge extending the first length of the net; and a flexiblebottom cord attached to the net at the lower lateral edge extending thesecond length of the net wherein the net is configurable in a closedconfiguration where the first lengthwise end and the second lengthwiseend are disposed proximate each other, and the flexible bottom cordattached to the net at the lower lateral edge defines a trap opening. 2.The net structure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spaced apartflexible lines are disposed in an orthogonal arrangement with a firstsubset of lines extending in a first direction, and a second subset oflines extending in a second direction, the second direction beingperpendicular to the first direction.
 3. The net structure of claim 1,wherein the flexible bottom cord is a weighted cord having a lead core.4. The net structure of claim 3, further comprising a mid-cord attachedto the net, extending lengthwise between the first lengthwise end and asecond lengthwise end, and disposed widthwise between the flexible uppercord and the flexible bottom cord.
 5. The net structure of claim 4,further comprising a plurality of flexible rib cords, each extendinglengthwise between the upper lateral edge and the lower lateral edge,the flexible rib cords spaced apart from one another.
 6. A trap fortrapping animals, comprising: a plurality of posts; and a flexible netstructure attached to the plurality of posts, the net structure having awidth that extends between an upper lateral edge and a lower lateraledge, and a first length that extends between a first lengthwise end anda second lengthwise end at the upper lateral edge, and a second lengththat extends between the first lengthwise end and the second lengthwiseend at the lower lateral edge, wherein the second length is less thanthe first length, the net structure including: a net formed from aplurality of spaced apart flexible lines that define a plurality ofopenings within the net, the net extending from the upper lateral edgeto the lower lateral edge, and extending from the first lengthwise endto the second lengthwise end; and an upper cord attached to the net atthe upper lateral edge extending the first length of the net; whereinthe flexible net structure is configurable in a set configuration, andin the set configuration the flexible net structure is circumferentiallyclosed with the first lengthwise end and the second lengthwise enddisposed proximate each other, defining an interior region of the trapwith a first circumference at the upper lateral edge and a secondcircumference at the lower lateral edge, and the first circumference isgreater than the second circumference, and a trap opening defined by thelower lateral edge.
 7. The trap of claim 6, wherein in the setconfiguration the flexible net structure has a wall portion and a groundportion, the ground portion contiguous with the lower lateral edge andsurrounding the trap opening, and the ground portion is configured toreside on a ground surface.
 8. The trap of claim 7, wherein the groundportion has a width and the ground portion width is about 25%-40% of thewidth of the net structure.
 9. The trap of claim 6, further comprisingan anchoring device configured for coupling the lower lateral edge ofthe flexible net structure with a ground surface.
 10. The trap of claim9, wherein the flexible net structure further comprises a weightedbottom cord attached to the net at the lower lateral edge extending thesecond length of the net structure, the weighted bottom cord including alead core.
 11. The trap of claim 10, wherein the flexible net structurefurther comprises a flexible mid-cord attached to the net, extendinglengthwise between the first lengthwise end and a second lengthwise end,and disposed widthwise between the upper cord and the bottom cord. 12.The trap of claim 11, wherein the flexible net structure furthercomprises a plurality of rib cords, each said rib cord of the pluralityof rib cords extending lengthwise between the upper lateral edge and thelower lateral edge, each said rib cord of the plurality of rib cordsspaced apart from one another along the length of the net.
 13. The trapof claim 11, further comprising a plurality of tensioning structures,wherein each tensioning structure of the plurality of tensioningstructures is configured to apply an outwardly radial force to arespective post. 14-21. (canceled)
 22. The trap of claim 12, wherein afirst rib cord of the plurality of rib cords is disposed at the firstlengthwise end, and a second rib cord of the plurality of rib cords isdisposed at the second lengthwise end.
 23. The trap of claim 22, whereinthe first rib cord and the second rib cord are attached to the uppercord.
 24. The trap of claim 6, wherein the net includes a first netregion contiguous with the upper lateral edge and a second net regioncontiguous with lower lateral edge, the first net region extendingtoward and abutting the second net region; wherein the flexible linesinclude first flexible lines in the first net region having a firstdiameter, and the flexible lines include second flexible lines in thesecond net region having a second diameter, and the second diameter issmaller than the first diameter.
 25. The trap of claim 24, wherein theplurality of openings within the net include a plurality of firstopenings in the first net region and a plurality of second openings inthe second net region; wherein the plurality of first openings each havea first area and the plurality of second openings each have a secondarea, and the first area is larger than the second area.
 26. The trap ofclaim 24, wherein the net structure further comprises a mid-cordextending lengthwise between the first lengthwise end and the secondlengthwise end, and disposed at an intersection of the first net regionand the second net region.
 27. The animal trap of claim 6, wherein theanchoring device includes a plurality of anchoring devices, and each ofthe plurality of anchoring devices is configured to permit the lowerlateral edge of the net structure to move a limited vertical distanceaway from the ground surface while coupling the lower lateral edge ofthe net structure with a ground surface.
 28. The net structure of claim1, wherein the net includes a first net region contiguous with the upperlateral edge and a second net region contiguous with lower lateral edge,the first net region extending toward and abutting the second netregion; wherein the flexible lines include first flexible lines in thefirst net region having a first diameter, and the flexible lines includesecond flexible lines in the second net region having a second diameter,and the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter; and whereinthe plurality of openings within the net include a plurality of firstopenings in the first net region and a plurality of second openings inthe second net region; wherein the plurality of first openings each havea first area and the plurality of second openings each have a secondarea, and the first area is larger than the second area.
 29. The netstructure of claim 28, further comprising a mid-cord extendinglengthwise between the first lengthwise end and the second lengthwiseend, and disposed at an intersection of the first net region and thesecond net region.